‘Everything breathes- trees, oceans, even stones… The earth is alive and it breathes; the stars too. Yes, they breathe in and out and the influence of their respiration is felt even here on earth….
Respiration can reveal great mysteries to you, but only when you accompany it with some mental work. As you breathe out, think that you are expanding to the very limits of the universe and then, as you breathe in again, you contract and withdraw into yourself, into your Self, that imperceptible point at the centre of an infinite circle. Again you expand and again you contract… In this way you will discover the movement of the ebb and flow which is th key to all the rhythms of the universe. When you become conscious of this movement within your own being, you enter into the harmony of the cosmos and establish a relationship of exchange between yourself and the universe for, as you breathe in, you inhale elements from space and , as you breathe out, you send out into space something of your own heart and soul.
Those who know how to harmonize themselves with the respiration of the cosmos enter into the sphere of divine consciousness. But so many of you are still a long way from understanding the spiritual dimension of respiration! If you were sensitive to that dimension, you would spend your lives working to breathe in the strength and light of God and breathe out that light again to the whole world. For to breathe out is also this: to distribute the light of God that you have drawn into yourself.
To breathe in and out… in and out… There is a link between respiration and every manifestation of the spiritual life. Meditation is respiration; prayer is respiration; ecstasy is respiration; every form of communication with heaven is respiration and your breathing reveals the intensity of that exchange. When you are in communion with heaven you breath deeply as though you were embracing your loved one.’
The spiritual exercises you are given here will strengthen you and enable you to contend with your problems. What counts is the intensity and concentration that you bring to them. The master Peter Deunov used to say, ‘When you pray, focus your thoughts exclusively on the subject of your prayer and take a deep, slow breath.’ Prayer is more effective when it is accompanied by peaceful, rhythmic breathing.
Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov Respiration- Spiritual Dimensions and Practical Applications
A mental exercise to accompany deep breathing
While breathing in say inwardly. ‘Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to breathe this pure air and the divine life with which you have filled it.’
While holding your breath say, ‘ May this divine life penetrate my whole being and give me life and health.’
While breathing out say, ‘I shall manifest this life I have received through all my actions, for the glory of God.’
Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov A New Earth- Methods, Exercises, Formulas and Prayers
More examples of practical breathing exercises to come soon! SJJ
